Rome:Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam emphasized the importance of the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus as a critical approach to achieving sustainable development. He highlighted the interconnectedness of these sectors and the necessity of an integrated approach to utilize resources more efficiently and address common challenges effectively.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Sewilam made these remarks during a session titled "Advancing the Application of the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Nexus Approach in the Mediterranean Region," part of the 2026 Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in Rome. The session focused on transitioning the nexus approach from theoretical frameworks to practical applications, leveraging experiences from governance, financing, and solution scaling projects.
Sewilam stressed the importance of implementing the nexus approach at regional and transboundary levels. He noted that enhanced cooperation, benefit-sharing, and aligning development goals among countries could lead to more sustainable responses to shared challenges. The Nile Basin was cited as a prime example of how integration among basin countries could optimize diverse resources like water, agricultural land, and renewable energy for mutual benefit.
He noted that the challenges facing the Nile Basin countries and the African continent necessitate coordinated action and greater cooperation. Africa's Water Vision 2063 was highlighted as a framework to guide collective efforts, expertise exchange, and joint solutions for issues related to water, food, energy, and climate change.
Sewilam advocated for a comprehensive view of water resources, including 'blue water' from rivers and lakes and 'green water' from rainfall stored in soil, to broaden resource assessment and enhance sustainable development opportunities. The Mediterranean region's renewable energy potential, expertise, and technology were also noted as significant opportunities for deepening cooperation and developing joint climate change responses.
The minister underscored the role of solar energy in water desalination and food production, noting advances in renewable energy technologies and the need for continued innovation to reduce desalination costs. He linked future desalinated water use for food production with increased water productivity through modern agriculture techniques like hydroponics and aquaponics.
In conclusion, Sewilam highlighted the potential for Africa and the Mediterranean region to capitalize on regional cooperation and integration, expertise exchange, and innovation support. He stressed that these efforts are crucial for translating the WEFE Nexus from a conceptual framework into practical projects that yield tangible benefits for the region's people.